A Food Lover’s Guide to Must-Try Restaurants in Cape Cod

Cape Cod is known for its rugged coastlines and laid-back pace, but how often do we mention the food scene? This coastal destination is far more than just a spot for summer ice cream cones and fried seafood shacks (though those are excellent, too). From early morning breakfasts to casual seafood dinners looking over sunset waters, you can’t miss out on the dining in this corner of MA. If you're heading to the Eastham area and wondering where to eat, here are four restaurants you can’t miss.

If there's a place that defines the classic New England seafood experience, it's Arnold’s. This iconic spot has built its reputation on buttery lobster rolls, crispy fried clams, and rich clam chowder. But it doesn’t stop there—Arnold’s also serves up grilled swordfish, shrimp baskets, and even a solid veggie burger for the seafood-averse.



What sets Arnold’s apart isn’t just the food—it’s the atmosphere. Picnic tables, the salty breeze, and a bustling raw bar give it a spot-on coastal vibe. And yes, there’s mini-golf out back, which makes it an easy win for anyone looking to keep the night going after dinner.

Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar

Fairway Restaurant is a local institution for a reason. Start your day here with breakfast, and you’ll understand why regulars keep coming back. Their menu goes beyond the usual eggs and toast—with creative takes like lobster benedict, pumpkin pancakes, and cranberry walnut French toast.



Later in the day, the focus shifts to pizza and hearty comfort food. Think thick-cut meatloaf, baked stuffed haddock, and pizzas loaded with toppings. Don’t skip the attached Hole in One Bakery—grab a coffee and a freshly made donut to go. If you’re looking for a place where every dish is crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail, this is it.

Fairway Restaurant & Pizzeria

The Friendly Fisherman

The name says it all. The Friendly Fisherman delivers on freshness, flavor, and, well, friendliness. This hybrid seafood market and restaurant serves up daily catches right from local boats. The menu leans heavy on the seafood classics—lobster dinners, scallops, and cod so fresh it might’ve been swimming that morning.



It’s casual, with picnic tables and counter service, which keeps the focus on what matters: the food. Their lobster rolls come packed with meat and just the right amount of dressing, and the clam strips are fried to golden perfection. If you’re the kind of diner who wants to see the seafood before it hits the grill, swing by the market side and pick your own.

There’s no better way to start a Cape Cod morning than with breakfast at Laura & Tony’s. This much-loved spot is known for its breakfast buffet—though “buffet” might not do it justice. Everything here is cooked from scratch, from the applewood smoked bacon to the fluffy, just-baked muffins.



Signature dishes, like baked stuffed French toast and the perfectly seasoned home fries, make it hard to stop at one plate. The atmosphere is laid-back and quirky, with hand-written chalkboard menus and smells from the kitchen wafting in through the door. It’s a great reminder that quality ingredients and good technique can transform even a simple breakfast into something worth talking about.

Laura & Tony’s Kitchen

Before GPS, lighthouses played a crucial role in keeping maritime travelers on course. The Nauset Lighthouse in Eastham may be the most photographed lighthouse on the Cape—and for good reason. With its red and white tower and backdrop of sweeping Atlantic surf, it captures the attention (and cameras) of everyone who comes by.



A little farther north in Truro, Highland Lighthouse stands tall as the oldest and tallest lighthouse on Cape Cod. Built in 1797 and still operational today, it offers tours for those willing to climb its narrow stairwell. The views stretch from sky to sea, and the stories that come with them reach all the way back to whaling days.

Lighthouses like these are more than photo ops—they're symbols of resilience, warnings against arrogance, and monuments to coastal ingenuity.

Beacons from Another Time: Lighthouses of the Outer Cape

Plan Your Culinary Adventure

Each of these restaurants offers a different experience—from fresh-off-the-boat seafood to hearty breakfasts and hand-tossed pizza. And since you could absolutely drive around the Cape on a food tour, why not stay right where the action is?

Just minutes from all of these must-try spots is the Inn at the Oaks, a beautifully restored historic inn surrounded by towering oak trees. We’re the best place to unwind after a day of exploring and eating your way through Eastham. With cozy rooms, easy access to the Cape Cod Rail Trail and National Seashore, and plenty of space to relax, it’s the perfect home base for your culinary escape.

So pack your appetite, book your stay, and get ready to discover why Cape Cod should be on every food lover’s map.